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The White Lotus became an instant hit after its run on HBO, and Mike White’s dramedy series has already been confirmed for season 2. Details about the show’s sophomore season are sparse, but fans do have one exciting update. One of the original cast members will return for the second outing — and given how much praise she’s received for her first-season performance, fans can expect big things from The White Lotus Season 2.

‘The White Lotus’ Season 2 will feature a new resort, new guests

Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, and Brittany O'Grady in 'The White Lotus' Season 1. One of these cast members is already confirmed for 'The White Lotus' Season 2. They're all sitting on the beach in this image.
Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, and Brittany O’Grady in ‘The White Lotus’ | Mario Perez/HBO

HBO renewed The White Lotus for season 2 back in August, but series creator Mike White promised big changes for the next outing. For one, he teased a new setting for the second chapter.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, White explained that they filmed in Hawaii to support one of the resorts shut down during COVID-19. With things opening up again, the locale would likely prove too pricy for season 2:

“We would go somewhere different because there’s no way we could be able to afford the Four Seasons in Maui, not in a pandemic. So yeah, it would have to be The White Lotus: Kyoto or something. Which would be fun too, because we could get into culture clash ideas and stuff like that.”

In addition to a fresh backdrop, fans can probably expect new cast members for The White Lotus‘ second season. Speaking with TVLine, White questioned the believability of all of season 1’s guests arriving at another resort together.

“I don’t think you can credibly have [all the season 1 guests] on the same vacation again,” he explained.

However, White did suggest some original cast members could make a comeback — and the first of them has officially signed on for The White Lotus Season 2.

Jennifer Coolidge is returning for the second outing

On Oct. 15, TVLine reported that Jennifer Coolidge has joined the cast of The White Lotus’ sophomore season. The well-known star played Tanya McQuoid in season 1, and her portrayal of the character received overwhelmingly positive feedback from viewers. With fans suggesting she could win an Emmy for the role, it’s no surprise HBO brought her back into the fold for season 2.

Coolidge’s White Lotus character ventured to the first resort to bid farewell to her mother, spreading her ashes during her stay there. She also befriended Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), one of the resort’s employees — although she promptly turned her back on her after falling for another guest.

TVLine’s report doesn’t say whether Coolidge will be portraying Tanya again, though White’s words do suggest the original cast would return as their season 1 characters. Of course, The White Lotus could always go the American Horror Story route and have them play new guests.

Could more original cast members join ‘The White Lotus’ Season 2?

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With Coolidge signing on for The White Lotus Season 2, fans have to wonder if other original cast members will follow suit. While White doesn’t seem eager to bring everyone back, there’s too much talent in the first season to ignore. Perhaps Alexandra Daddario or Connie Britton could find themselves on vacation yet again.

This is one of the first updates fans have gotten about The White Lotus‘ sophomore season, so it could be a while before more news arrives. However, Coolidge’s involvement in the new episodes is an exciting way to kick things off. If her performance mirrors what she accomplished in season 1, viewers will be glued to the TV yet again.

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